Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation

Have you heard of CLI?

We understand that as you learn more about peripheral artery disease (PAD), you may discover stages of the disease you’re unfamiliar with, such as critical limb ischemia, or CLI. This is the worst form of PAD. Ask a doctor if you have an advanced stage of PAD, or use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist.

When you have PAD, your arteries are narrowed, restricting the blood flow to your legs, feet and/or toes. If a diagnosis has shown your PAD has advanced to CLI, the restricted blood flow could be so considerable and widespread that you may be at significant risk for amputation.

Without treatment to help restore circulation you may need an amputation and your life could be at risk.4

What are the symptoms?

The presence of an ulcer or gangrene is often a sign of CLI. Leg pain while walking and leg pain that is frequently intolerable also can be common with CLI. Intense discomfort from CLI can last from minutes to hours, and often happens at night.

The leg pain from CLI can interrupt your sleep, and you might hang your foot off the edge of the bed in an attempt to get relief. Or you might only be able to get rest when you sleep upright in a chair.20